Internet & Computers

Can kids and teens help each other use media safely and wisely?
Can kids and teens help each other use media safely and wisely? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Much of the discussion on kids’ media use centers, appropriately, on parent involvement. I’m wondering, though, are there ways kids and teens can help each other use media safely and wisely?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician®

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Is it OK for my 2 year old to watch YouTube videos?
Is it OK for my 2 year old to watch YouTube videos? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My husband watches YouTube videos with our 2 year old son almost daily, and I am not sure what I think about whether it’s a good habit or not. What do you think?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician

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How can parents take a step back from technology when we need to use it for work?
How can parents take a step back from technology when we need to use it for work? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My husband and I want to model good media habits, but we have trouble disconnecting because we are self-employed and use social media for our work. Do you have any practical tips for how to step back from technology in this situation?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician®

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Are kids benefiting from all these electronics?
Are kids benefiting from all these electronics? 150 150 Mediatrics

I keep hearing how younger and younger children are being exposed to electronics, which must certainly affect their lives. But are the effects positive or negative?

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How can kids respond to email chain letters?
How can kids respond to email chain letters? 150 150 Mediatrics

How an empowered mom helped her tween daughter deal with upsetting email chain letters.

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Does my 7-year-old grandson play too many computer games with his dad?
Does my 7-year-old grandson play too many computer games with his dad? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 7-year-old grandson comes home from visits with his dad talking non-stop about a computer game marked for ages 10+ that they play together. What would be a good amount of time for him to be allowed to play a game like this, and can it cause him to become addicted?

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Kids use media for almost 8 hours a day — Now what?
Kids use media for almost 8 hours a day — Now what? 150 150 Mediatrics

Yesterday the Kaiser Family Foundation released a report detailing just how much media kids are using. Dr. Michael Rich, The MediatricianSM, was interviewed on NBC Nightly News, and the Center on Media and Child Health sent out the following in email to parents today.

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Should I worry about junk food ads on kids’ websites?
Should I worry about junk food ads on kids’ websites? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 7-year-old son uses a lot of kid websites that seem harmless enough, but I keep hearing about junk food ads on the Internet and wonder if they will really affect him?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician

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Should I encourage my preschooler to use the computer?
Should I encourage my preschooler to use the computer? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: I know that today’s children need to be fully conversant in computers, but at what age? I don’t want my child to fall behind, but I don’t want to encourage computer use in place of the fleeting joys of childhood.
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician

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Does multitasking with media distract kids from homework?
Does multitasking with media distract kids from homework? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: When my daughter does her homework, she also has open 5 other computer programs at the same time. How will this affect her schoolwork?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician

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